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I meet his gaze, and we study each other for a moment. When we were at university, the two of us worked incredibly hard, but we also played hard, with Huxley and several others, and none of us were ever short of girlfriends. It was a good life, and I enjoyed it, but his words make me feel as if he thinks I’m still acting like a frat boy, whereas he’s moved on.
It stings. But I guess that’s because he’s right.
His expression softens. “I want you to be my best man.”
My eyes widen. “What about your brother?”
“I love him dearly, but I only see him twice a year. He’ll understand. Will you do it?”
That genuinely chokes me up. “Of course,” I say, my voice hoarse.
We exchange a big hug, both swallowing hard, then break apart with a laugh. “Catch you later,” Kai says, and he leaves the room.
I watch him go, then wander over to the sliding doors. Gus gets up from his bed and runs past me to chase butterflies on the lawn. I watch him, battling with an unusual emotion, something I don’t feel often: envy. I’m envious of his happiness, but mostly of his belief that he’s found the perfect woman, and that everything’s going to be all right.
Despite my drive to get the project finished, I’ve been looking forward to going up to the Bay of Islands to see my family. Now, though, I feel irritated and resentful, and I hate myself for it. I wish I hadn’t agreed to go. If I could stay, I could lose myself in the work, and then I wouldn’t be plagued with thoughts of Kai’s honest but cruel words.
Briefly, I think about Sidnie. I could text her, or even call her. I’d love to hear the sound of her husky, sexy voice.
We all have to grow up sometime.
Do I want to? I like my life. I love my work. It’s everything to me, and it fills my world. There’s no space for anything else. I don’t want to have to consider someone else’s feelings. To have responsibilities outside of the office.
I look down at Gus, who’s resting his muzzle on his paws, watching me. His eyes sayFrat boy.
“You can talk,” I tell him grouchily. Back in November, I let him mate with Elizabeth’s miniature poodle because she wanted Spoodle puppies, but after Christmas he’ll be going to the vet to be neutered. “You won’t be laughing when the vet cuts off your family jewels.”
He comes over and puts his head on my lap. I laugh and kiss his head. “Sorry, dude. You won’t know a thing about it, I swear.”
I sigh. This isn’t getting the report written. Turning away from the view, I go back to my desk, open my laptop, and get to work.
*
Just before one, Jamie comes in to tell me it’s time to leave for lunch with my colleagues from Huxley’s.
“Do you know where it is?” I ask as we walk through the offices.
“Slow down,” he complains. “I can never keep up with you.” I adjust my pace, and he blows out a breath. “At Il Pescatore.”
I stop walking and look up at the ceiling. He gives me a curious look. “I thought you liked it there.”
I start walking again. “I do.”
“Is this to do with Sidnie?”
“No, not at all. Well, a little bit. Yes. Stop interrogating me.”
He grins. “Did she like the flowers?”
“She did. And the photo of Gus.” I smile as I think of her opening the card.
“You’re smiling again.”
“No I’m not.”
Still arguing, we go over to the car and get in, and Jamie heads for the Italian restaurant.
“What time do you want to head off tomorrow?” he asks.
